Harassment and Illegal Eviction

The law protects tenants against harassment and illegal eviction. This page describes some of the types of harassment and explains what tenants can do if they are being harassed or threatened with illegal eviction.

What can I do if my landlord wants me to leave

Most tenants are entitled to a written notice telling them to leave a property even if your landlord didn't give you a written agreement to live there in the first place. The only exception to this is where you are sharing the living accommodation, for example a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord, in this case the landlord only must verbally ask you to leave.

The amount of time given in the notice depends on the type of tenancy you have or the grounds on which your landlord is seeking possession. You are not required to leave until the notice runs out, and even then, may not be evicted without the order of the court.

If your landlord makes you leave your home without following the proper legal process it is an illegal eviction, which is a serious criminal offence.

Shelter can help you check whether a landlord can evict you. Also, you can find further information on GOV.UK.